A near-death experience or serious injury rarely occurs in the newsroom, but the images of extreme violence viewed constantly by journalists could lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
A new study, published in the JRSM Open, says newsroom journalists who frequently view violent images have a greater risk of psychological side effects, such as PTSD. Dr. Anthony Feinstein led researchers at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto to conduct the first-of-its kind study.
"The present study suggests that frequency rather than duration of exposure to images of graphic violence is more emotionally distressing to journalists working with User Generated Content material," researchers said. They classify User Generated Content (UGC) material as photos and videos submitted to newsrooms by the public.
"Now the man on the street with nothing more than a cell phone can transmit, in real time, images of great ferocity and violence, much of which is deemed too shocking to be shown to audiences," Feinstein wrote.
The lead scientist and his team collected data at three international news organizations and interviewed 116 journalists working with UGC material. The news organizations did not assign more experienced journalists to the stories with higher amounts of graphic content.
Limited published data exists for journalists working in war zones, but the study concluded that journalists working in the relative safety of a newsroom could face the same traumatic effects. Newsroom journalists are as much at risk for anxiety, depression, PTSD and alcohol consumption, according to the study.
"Our research shows that exposure to violence, albeit indirect, in a group of UGC journalists, is an important determinant of psychopathology," the study said. "Previous research among war journalists revealed elevated rates of PTSD and major depression compared to domestic journalists with little exposure to personal threat or violence."
Feinstein suggested in his conclusion that news organizations need to possibly reduce the frequency journalists are exposed to violent UGC material. "Good journalism depends on healthy journalists," he said.
